{10/24} Coptic Bookbinding: Hand-Bound Journal

Class Details

Date: Saturday, October 24
Time: 9:00 AM–12:30 PM
Ages: 16+
Instructor: Jennifer Samuelson
Location: Handcraft Revival, 1365 S 1100 E, Salt Lake City
Skill Level: Beginner—no previous bookbinding experience required
Included: All materials
Take Home: One finished Coptic-bound journal

Please note: We have reserved three and a half hours so everyone has plenty of time to work comfortably and complete their journal. The class may finish before 12:30 PM.

Learn the traditional art of Coptic bookbinding while creating a complete hand-bound journal from start to finish.

Coptic binding is a centuries-old book structure constructed entirely through visible stitching. The exposed sewing creates a strong, flexible spine and allows the finished book to lie beautifully flat when opened—making it especially useful for writing, sketching, creative notes, and everyday reflection.

Jennifer will guide students through preparing the covers and signatures, selecting coordinating papers and thread, and sewing the book together one section at a time. As the structure takes shape, students will experience how the repeated movements of bookbinding can become rhythmic, meditative, and deeply satisfying.

This class is ideal for writers, artists, knitters, journal keepers, and anyone drawn to book arts, traditional handwork, and the quiet satisfaction of making something useful by hand.

What You’ll Learn

• The fundamentals of Coptic bookbinding
• How to prepare covers and paper signatures
• How to create a strong, flexible spine through visible stitching
• Techniques for clean, even sewing
• How to select and combine papers and thread
• Foundational skills for making additional hand-bound books at home

What You’ll Make

• One finished Coptic-bound journal

The finished journal can be used for writing, sketching, knitting notes, creative planning, or documenting your own handwork.

What’s Included

• Paper
• Book covers
• Waxed thread
• Bookbinding needles
• Use of binding tools during class
• Guided instruction from start to finish

Helpful Notes

• No previous bookbinding experience is required.
• Students will choose from a curated selection of papers and thread colors.
• The class is scheduled through 12:30 PM to provide plenty of unhurried working time, but it may finish earlier.

Cancellation Policy

Tickets are refundable for store credit up to one week before the event. Within one week of the class, tickets are transferable to another person only.